All posts by breanamjohnson@gmail.com

Fantastic Clean Books for Teens

December 21, 2021Uncategorizedbreanamjohnson@gmail.com

If you’re looking for clean books for teens, you may have discovered that it can be hard to shop for YA lit these days.

The bad news is that it’s currently trendy for YA novels to portray teens engaging in risky behavior with unrealistically mild/nonexistent consequences.

The good news is that there are still YA authors out there who are dedicated to creating fantastic stories of all genres — without the graphic sex, glorified drug use, and unrealistic relationships. And the best part is, many of them still deal with the challenges teens face, from suicide to parent struggles to an ache to help the hurting.

So if that’s what you’ve been searching for, you’re in the right place! And if you don’t mind YA books with grittier content, I bet you’ll still enjoy these 🙂

If you’re looking for clean adult books, check out my post here

Unblemished Trilogy

Immerse yourself in the twists and turns of parallel worlds — reflections — as heroine Eliyana discovers her true identity in settings beyond her imagination.

The Unblemished trilogy comes to you from author Sara Ella and is now available in PAPERBACK!

I also recommend her novel Coral, a Little Mermaid retelling focusing on mental health. As someone who has lost a family member to suicide, this is a topic close to my heart.

AND . . . let’s not forget Sara Ella’s upcoming release, The Wonderland Trials! If you’re subscribed to my newsletter (sign up in the sidebar), you’ll be one of the first to see the upcoming cover reveal and hear more about this book, which is coming in 2022! I’m so excited to read this one.

Calculated

Imagine the story of Joseph . . . set in modern times. . . with a math genius . . . in Asia.

Are you intrigued yet? I read Calculated by Nova McBee for my book club and LOVED this fictional story of courage and compassion as a young woman pursues freedom from modern-day slavery for herself and others.

Fractured Tide

Fractured Tide by Leslie Lutz is similar to Lost, but better. As in, no evil smoke people, just a freaky island, a terrifying sea monster, and a broken time machine that loops the same day over . . . and over . . . and over . . .

Now That You’re Here

I’m partial to books set in Phoenix. And let’s be honest– that’s a really short list. Now That You’re Here by Amy K. Nichols and its companion from the other main character’s point of view, While You Were Gone, is a the story of a boy who switches places with his parallel-universe twin. Will he choose to return to a war-torn reality where his parents are still alive? Or live as an orphan in a world that is safe?

The Hagenheim Series

The Hagenheim Series is a collection of fairytale retellings that tie together various classic stories. Since I’ve only read one of these books by Melanie Dickerson, I asked my friend Elli to weigh in, and she says:

“These books are all deliciously intriguing! I simply could not put them down when I started. I love that they all include Christ-centered themes.”

You can visit Elli’s Instagram here

Dear America Series

I enjoyed the Dear America series as a teen. All of them are written as a diary by a young women in some period of American history. I desperately wanted them to be real journals, not fiction! I did get a little tired of the somewhat predictable threads of romance after reading several of these, but overall I enjoyed them. A great option for teen girls who loved the American Girls series.

Romanov

This month, I read Romanov by Nadine Brandes. 10 out of 10! I recently attended a virtual writing seminar where she discussed her philosophy toward YA lit and approach on writing books for teens, and this immediately went on my “To Be Read” list. If you love all things Anastasia Romanov, you can’t miss this one!

Solo

Solo by Kwame Alexander is one of my favorite books for teen guys (although girls will like it, too). This novel in verse follows the heartache of a 17-year-old adoptee as he grieves his mother’s head, struggles with his rock-star father’s addiction issues, and searches for identity. His search for his birthmother brings him to Ghana, where he and his family — both natural and adoptive — are able to experience forgiveness and the start of the healing process.

Love finding clean books for teens?

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This post contains affiliate links. I only recommend teen books I would share with my nieces and nephews!

Christian Fiction Books for your Christmas Gift List

December 5, 2021Blog, Books, Uncategorized, Writingbooks, giftsbreanamjohnson@gmail.com

Books make the best Christmas gifts! If there’s someone on your list who already has everything, you can always get them a new book. Here are some of my favorite Christian fiction books that make great gifts.

Read my post on clean giftable books for teens!

Romance

The Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson

This year, I started reading a lot more romance. The Red Door Inn is one of my favorites! Every book in this series made me cry. And want to visit Prince Edward Island.

The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers

This a story of love and redemption between two people desperately trying to repair their broken lives.

The Hearts of Oklahoma series by Tina Radcliffe

This small-town series follows a family of four siblings who each find love close to home, whether that be at the vet clinic or on their ranch.

Contemporary

The Joy of Falling by Lindsay Harrel

This novel healed a wounded place in my heart. This story is about two widowed sisters-in-law who decide to run an New Zealand ultramarathon in memory of their husbands. The problem? The women have nothing in common. Can they overcome their differences to support one another through their grief, and maybe find hope along the way?

The Pelican Harbor Series by Colleen Coble

This series tells the suspenseful adventures of a policewoman on the hunt for a murderer. . . and the truth about her childhood in an abusive cult.

Historical

The Curse of Misty Wayfair by Jaime Jo Wright

If you like mysteries and historical fiction, you’ll love The Curse of Misty Wayfair. It’s just dark enough to make you shiver!

Sunrise at Normandy Series by Sarah Sundin

Be swept into the past through this World War II trilogy of love and war.

Love historical fiction and romance? Don’t miss your chance to order A Dance in Donegal or The Lady of Galway Manor and receive an extra Christmas gift! You can read my interview with author Jennifer Deibel here.

Historical Romance Novels — Bought a book before December 31, 2021?
**Click here to get your free gift!**
…
Head here for 40% off and free shipping

Biblical

The Chosen by Left Behind author Jerry Jenkins

This book is based on the TV show of the same name. It gives the life of Jesus new vibrancy!

By the Waters of Babylon by Mesu Andrews

This novel shares the tale of a Jewish exile to Babylon at the time of Daniel and Jeremiah.

Ruth and Naomi by Tori Sorenson

This novel is a fresh retelling of the famous story. After reading this, I have a much better idea of the culture and history behind the book of Ruth.

What’s your favorite Christian fiction book you’ve read this year? Comment to share!

This post contains affiliate links to support my blog. I only share books I enjoy and recommend!

Interview with Historical Romance Novel Author Jennifer Deibel

December 3, 2021Author Interview, Blog, Uncategorized, Writingbooks, interview, writingbreanamjohnson@gmail.com

Some books have the potential to make your whole year. Over the summer, as an escape from the oppressive Arizona heat, I headed into a Barnes & Noble to browse the fiction section. When I came across a historical romance novel set in Ireland and written by a local author & autographed, I thought, Oh yes, I need this. To be honest, I rarely impulse buy.

Well, I impulse bought.

Then I posted a picture of my find on Instagram and about died of fangirldom when Jennifer Deibel, the author, commented on my post.

Spending time with Jen (right) and local author friends Sarah, Erin, and Sara

Fast forward several months, and I’ve been lucky enough to call Jen my friend. I’d love for you to meet her, too, and hear about her NEW Irish romance, The Lady of Galway Manor, which will be releasing in February 2022!

Bought a book before December 31, 2021?
**Click here to get your free gift!**
…
Head here for 40% off and free shipping

Hi Jen! What was your inspiration for The Lady of Galway Manor?

I love the legend of the Claddagh ring, and the tensions between England and Ireland are always coloring things, even today. And I began to wonder what it might be like if a British woman was apprenticed to an Irishman in the jewelry shop. And the story idea grew from there.

As events take a dangerous turn for Annabeth and her family during the war for Irish independence, she begins to see that the bonds of friendship, love, and loyalty are only made stronger when put through the refiner’s fire.

Which character was the most fun to write?

I really love all of them, but I think Seamus—the hero’s father—was my favorite to write. He’s quirky and funny, loves his tea, and is wise beyond his station.

How have you incorporated favorite Irish locations, traditions, or experiences into the book?

Oh yes!! We lived in the Galway area for four years, so I tried to work in some of my favorite places. Some, like the Claddagh area of the city, are the same. Others, like the fish and chip shop, have been changed a little to protect the innocent 😉 and allow me a little more creative license. The jewelry shop itself was also a huge inspiration and still exists and is in business today. But, I changed the name and location in town slightly, again, so I could have a little more creative freedom within the story.

Thanks for stopping by to meet one of my favorite people! I hope you enjoyed getting a glimpse into her writing process and hearing a bit about her own experiences living in Ireland.

If this sounds like a book you’d love to read or gift, you’re in luck! At the time of writing, Baker Book House is offering 30% off The Lady of Galway Manor and 40% off A Dance in Donegal as well as free shipping.

P.S. – If you haven’t heard, Jen and I and a few of our friends are doing a giveaway for book lovers, including a historical romance novel, YA fantasy, middle grade fiction, contemporary romance and bookish goodies! It ends December 4, 2021, so be sure to enter ASAP 🙂

Click here to throw your name in the hat.

This post contains affiliate links to support the cost of my blog. I only recommend books I have read and love!

Awesome Christian Fiction Book Giveaway from Phoenix Authors!

November 29, 2021Blog, Writingauthors, Christian fiction, giveaway, writersbreanamjohnson@gmail.com

Hey everyone! I had the wonderful opportunity to join a local writers group this year. These awesome authors and myself are finishing out 2021 by putting together an incredible book giveaway for you! The giveaway ends December 4, so be sure to enter today 🙂

Enter now or keep reading to learn about each item we’re offering! We can’t wait to share books and bookish treats with you.

Unblemished Series by Sara Ella

The winner of the giveaway gets not one, but ALL THREE of Sara Ella’s Unblemished series! So far, I’ve read Unblemished and loved diving into this incredible fantasy world with its twists and turns. Can’t wait to jump into Unraveling and Unbreakable— they are on my TBR list! This clean fantasy YA series is spectacular – I’m buying all three and sending them to my one of my favorite teens (Shh– don’t tell).

Follow Sara Ella on Instagram

The Road to Home by R. A. Douthitt

This touching middle grade read will appeal to kids as well as adults. The Road to Home is a beautiful book about loss and love from a thirteen-year-old’s perspective. I’m currently reading this title!

Follow R. A. Douthitt on Instagram

A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel

A Dance in Donegal is a sweet Irish historical romance. The author of this book actually lived in Ireland for many years, so authentic Irish cultural is woven throughout. You’ll love being swept into a bygone era of the Emerald Isle as you read this story of love and forgiveness. I enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to The Lady of Galway Manor, which comes out in February 2022!

Follow Jennifer Deibel on Instagram

Read my author interview with Jennifer Deibel

Since You’ve Been Gone by Tari Ferris

Since You’ve Been Gone is a contemporary Christian romance set in Michigan. I’m excited to read this one– a quick perusal of the first few pages included locations I know well from my time living in Detroit! I’m sure you’ll love it, too.

Follow Tari Farris on Instagram

Jane Austen Library Candle from me 🙂

This is my contribution to the giveaway! I love the ambiance candles give to my reading and writing sessions. This Jane Austen-inspired candle is the perfect home accent for a book lover.

Book-Loving Snowman Ornament from Genesis Finalist Sarah Popovich

Finally, here’s a Christmas decoration that will add a bookish feel to your tree! This little s’mores marshmallow snowman can be your book buddy when you snuggle up for some holiday-season reading.

Follow Sarah Popovich on Instagram

Ready to enter the book giveaway?

This giveaway runs until December 4, so don’t wait to throw your name in! Click here to enter. We can’t wait to send out these goodies to the lucky winner!

This post contains affiliate links to support my blog. I only recommend books I enjoy!

Finishing my NaNoWriMo 2021 Challenge!

November 28, 2021Blog, Writingchallenge, NaNoWriMo, writersbreanamjohnson@gmail.com

Think you can write a 50,000 word novel in a month? With a fantastic network of fellow writers and a fun program like NaNoWriMo to cheer you on, it’s not as hard as it sounds!

I first heard about NaNoWriMo— National Novel Writing Month, a challenge to write 50,000 words of fiction in November–from a friend several years ago. I assumed it was a thing for high school students, maybe even college students, and promptly forgot about it.

First day of NaNoWriMo- typing away at the pond

Then, this year, I heard some of my author friends talk about it. Whaaat? Published authors use NaNoWriMo as a motivation tool for their books? I decided this was something I needed to check out.

Tina Radcliffe is one of my NaNoWriMo buddies!

What I found was delightful. The NaNoWriMo community is fun and engaging, with seminars, tools, and a cool website to track your progress. There are Preptober challenges in October to help writers prepare for writing as well as other tools to use year-round.

Obviously, I decided I needed to try this. And since the website offers virtual badges for both writing every day and for writing the average (1667 words) every day, I decided that what what I was going to do.

Cue the midnight writing sessions.

Even though November was an unusually busy month, I managed to finish the 50,000 word challenge a few days ago! Usually, when there’s a lot going on, fiction projects get put on hold or at least take the back burner to more urgent tasks. So I was thankful to have something that kept me writing and pushed me to keep going when I wasn’t sure what would come next in the story.

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just thinking of dipping your toes in the waters of noveling, I highly recommend giving NaNoWriMo a go. It brings a new level of joy and satisfaction to the writing process. Hope to be your NaNo buddy in 2022!

Be my NaNoWriMo buddy! Click here to visit my profile.

This post contains affiliate links to support the costs associated with this website

Make a Yucca Fiber Basket

November 11, 2021Arizona, Blog, International Travel, Nature, United Statesbushcraft, craft, desert, researchbreanamjohnson@gmail.com

There’s so much you can eat and make from things that grow in the desert! It’s a common misconception that the desert is just a barren place full of thorns and poisonous things. But as a tour guide at the Casa Grand ruins once pointed out, it’s like living in a grocery store. I’ve done my fair share of eating desert plants, but did you know you can make a lot of things from them, too? Even if you have no experience with bushcrafting or textile arts, you can create this yucca coil basket.

I have a yucca in the front yard that I’ve hardly thought about since we moved in. Why did I decide to cut off a couple of leaves today and make a basket? It’s all a part of my writing research for the novel I’m working on. My book is a survival story set in the Arizona desert, and my main character is an ancestral crafts instructor. So I figured I’d better learn some ancestral crafts. After all, it’s a lot easier to write about something when you’ve experienced it, not just watched some YouTube videos!

This isn’t the first time I’ve done hands-on research for the writing. Obviously, my travel writing for the web is experience-based. As far as fiction goes, I’ve also had the chance to fly a plane and learned to make mud bricks!

Drop a comment if you’d like to see an instructional post on how to make mudbricks in your backyard.

So, on to why you clicked on this link: how to make a yucca fiber coil basket.

Harvest Yucca Leaves

There are a lot of ways to make a basket out of yucca leaves. I picked this one because I already knew how to make coil baskets. To date, my attempts at other types of basket weaving have not gone so well.

The first thing to do is cut a couple of yucca leaves! I took two to make this basket. It was really tiny. Like an Easter basket for a Barbie doll. If you want it to be bigger than that, you’ll need a lot more leaves. I didn’t want my yucca to be bald, so I stuck with a small project.

Be careful cutting yucca. There are sharp and some varieties have teeth on the edge of the leaves.

Scrape

You’ll need a couple of rocks for this. One should be large and flat, the other should be smaller and have a sharp edge, ideally. Scrape all the wet green stuff off the yucca leaf.

You are not pounding. I found this out the hard way. Scraping is a lot more effective. I tried rinsing out some of the green mush, and it worked OK, but it will dry just fine if you scrape it best you can.

Separate the fibers. There should be a few fibers to a strand.

Cord

Now you’ll need to create a cord out of the fibers. I was daunted by this part, thinking of Pa Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie cording straw until his hands bled by the fire all winter.

It’s not like that.

Cording was surprisingly easy, although a slow process. Basically, you have two strands of fibers. You give the bottom one a clockwise twist and then bring it counter-clockwise to the top and repeat, twisting in new strands as you get to the bottom of each.

If that makes no sense to you, try watching this video on y u cca cording.

Coil

To make a coil basket, you need your cord and you also need a thicker strand to act as a base. Put your cord through a tapestry needle (or get really epic, and make a needle out of the point of the yucca leaf) and begin to wrap the thick strand with the cord.

Wrap it tightly until you have enough length to overlap in a small circle, then wrap over the overlap to secure the loop. From there, continue to wrap along the length of the thicker cord a dozen or so times, then insert the needle below the row under your current row to secure it.

Continue until you run out of cord. Now secure the end, tie off, and weave in ends.

For visual instructions, try watching this video on coil baskets.

You did it!

And that’s a wrap!

Get it? A wrap?

Anyway, I hope you have as much fun as I did making your own basket! If you’re the expert on this and have any advice on how to do this better, please leave a comment! I’m looking forward to learning more bushcraft skills as I do research for my novel. Stay tuned for more desert survival ideas!

Breana's Blog

A writer's adventures around the world